By Victor Akaa.
In a historic display of unity and resolve, Nigeria’s top heads of security on Tuesday gathered at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja to address the recent wave of protests, riots, and subversive activities threatening national stability.
Led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the meeting included the Chiefs of Army, Naval, and Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police, Comptroller Generals of Immigration and Customs, the Director General of DSS, and other heads of top security agencies.
During the meeting, all the security heads sent a strong message to subversive elements and reassured citizens of their commitment to maintaining peace and order.
In his remarks, the CDS General Musa echoed his sentiment, highlighting the synergy between the security forces and their commitment to protecting Nigerians. “We are working as a team to ensure the safety and security of our dear country.
“We will not relent in pursuing those who encourage oppositional government or subversion.
“We must protect Nigerians ,the only people we’re after are those who don’t mean us well, the enemies of the state. And anyone who makes themselves an enemy of the state will be ready to face the law.”
General Musa emphasised the need for professionalism, respect for human rights, and commitment to upholding rules of engagement during operations.
Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending democracy, peace, and harmony. “We will not sit by and watch the nation slide into anarchy,” General Lagbaja declared, outlining the Army’s efforts to maintain law and order in conjunction with other security agencies.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, warned that acts of treason, such as carrying foreign flags and calling for a military takeover, will not be tolerated, and those culpable will be dealt with accordingly.
He explained that the police and military did not use excessive force in managing the protests, contrary to some allegations. He emphasized that the police prioritized the safety of protesters and only used teargas and smoke to disperse crowds when necessary.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla acknowledged the constitutional right of peaceful protest but emphasized that the recent protests had taken a subversive turn. He stated that the Nigerian Navy is working assiduously to protect the country’s sovereignty and oil production, and has made significant arrests and seizures in the Maritime domain.
The representative of the Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, highlighted the agency’s intelligence-gathering efforts and appealed to Nigerians to give peace a chance, emphasizing the need for responsible citizenship and respect for the laws of the land.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap revealed that individuals in the diaspora identified as sponsors of the mayhem have been watchlisted and will be notified to the necessary authorities if they attempt to enter the country. She also stated that the service has deployed officers to borders to ensure protection and surveillance while stepping up profiling and screening of individuals entering and exiting the country.
“What we have done is we’ve had them on our watchlist and they have been watchlisted. We have them on our radars and we are making sure that any attempt they me to come into the country will notify the necessary authorities. And we are working closely with the NIA, DSS and the NAS’s office,” she explained.
The security chiefs collectively called on Nigerians to unite against chaos, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and action to maintain national stability. They urged Nigerians to dialogue and work together to address the country’s challenges, stressing that the solution requires a collective effort.
This unprecedented gathering sends a strong message to subversive elements and reassures citizens of the security forces’ dedication to maintaining peace and order. As Nigeria navigates these challenging times, one thing is clear: its security chiefs stand united against chaos, Enugu Reporters noted.
